Hockey: Goodwin grabs winner to maintain top spot

Lancaster and Morecambe continued their flawless start to the new season with another hard fought win.

In what would prove to be their toughest test yet, the visitors started strongly, dominating possession and creating chances.

Forwards Rob Cook and Steve Goodwin harried the youthful Brooklands back line into mistakes.

The home side looked very dangerous on the break and manoeuvred themselves back into the game before the Lancastrians asserted their superiority with an opening goal.

Joey Davidson scored a spectacular goal with an unstoppable drag flick into the top corner of the net.

The home side broke away to equalise with an equally excellent finish deflecting a powerful cross past Mark Hutchinson in the Lancaster and Morecambe goal.

Brooklands capitalised further on their fast-flowing style of play with a second goal from a penalty corner to leave the visitors trailing at half-time.

Lancaster and Morecambe redoubled their efforts in the second period, determined not to capitulate.

A period of pressure lead to an equaliser for midfielder Mike Sambell who pounced on a loose ball in the circle to finish from close range.

In the search for a winner both teams came close. James Kirkpatrick made a superb last-ditch tackle to prevent Brooklands scoring before the home side struck the woodwork twice in quick succession.

Lancaster and Morecambe took full advantage of the let off and five minutes from time found a way through the well organised home defence when a Nick Davey shot was turned in at the back post by Goodwin.

Once again Lancaster and Morecambe kept hold of possession in the latter stages to secure another three points and remain at the summit of North West Division 1.